Hand tools having a protective hand guard

ABSTRACT

Hand tools having a hand guard for protecting a user&#39;s working hand are provided. In one embodiment, the hand tool may be a paint roller that includes a roller assembly having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a hand guard attached to the roller assembly. The roller assembly may include a handle portion extending from the proximal end of the roller assembly, and a support portion extending from the distal end of the roller assembly to the handle portion. The support portion may include a support arm assembly attached to the handle portion and a cover support positioned at the distal end of the roller assembly and rotatably attached to the support arm assembly. The hand guard may be positioned over a top surface of the handle portion and may include a plurality of walls defining an interior space configured to receive a user&#39;s hand therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/334,531, filed on Oct. 26, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/246,407, filed on Oct. 26, 2015, each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to hand tools and moreparticularly to hand tools having a hand guard for protecting a user'shand during use of the tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various types of hand tools are known in the art to assist a user ineffectively performing a variety of gardening, yardwork, and homeimprovement tasks by hand. For example, hand rakes are often used bygardeners and homeowners for tilling soil, gathering garden and yarddebris, or collecting other items on the ground. As another example,hand-operated “grabbers” or “pick-ups” may be used to more efficientlypick up a number of items from the ground, as compared to simply pickingup the items by hand one-by-one. Still other examples of hand toolsinclude paint rollers and hand sanders, which allow a user to quicklypaint or sand various surfaces, such as walls, and are often preferredover traditional paint brushes and unsupported sand paper.

Known hand tools are frequently designed to allow a user to operate thetool with a single hand (i.e., the user's “working hand”) whilesquatting, kneeling, or seated on the ground or while standing near awork surface or area. In this manner, while using the hand tool, theuser's opposite hand (i.e., the user's “free hand”) may be used tosupport the user on or relative to the ground, to steady the userrelative to the working surface or area, or to perform other tasks.Although known single-handed hand tools may be effective in performingthe desired tasks, such tools often leave the user's working handexposed to the surrounding environment and/or the working surface orarea, which may be undesirable for several reasons.

For example, when a conventional hand rake, grabber, or other hand toolis used in a garden or around plants, shrubs, or groundcover, the user'sworking hand may remain largely exposed as the user extends the toolinto or around the working area. Consequently, the exposed working handpotentially may be cut, scraped, or otherwise harmed or irritated bydirect contact with plants, shrubs, brush, sticks, thorns, briars, orother garden or yard debris present in the working area. Additionally,the user's working hand may potentially be bitten or stung by snakes,vermin, other pests, bees, yellow jackets, wasps, ants, or other insectsthat may be concealed from the user's view in the working area.Furthermore, the user's fingernails and/or nail polish applied theretomay be damaged, and dirt may accumulate under the fingernails duringcontinued use of the hand tool. Although some people may wear gloveswhile gardening or performing other yardwork tasks, conventional glovesoften do not provide sufficient protection from cuts, scrapes, bites,stings, or other damage that may occur to the user's hands orfingernails. Additionally, wearing conventional gloves while using ahand rake, grabber, or other hand tool may be undesirable due a loss oftactile feel, difficulty gripping the tool, or increased sweating of theuser's working hand during hot weather.

Other problems may exist when using a conventional paint roller, handsander, or other hand tool to perform various home improvement tasks.For example, when using a conventional paint roller for an extendedperiod of time, the user's exposed working hand may become covered withpaint that sprays during rotation of the roller cover. Such paint spraymay be difficult and time consuming to remove, particularly from theuser's fingernails and cuticles. When using a conventional hand sander,the user's exposed working hand may inadvertently come into directcontact with the working surface being sanded or other surroundingsurfaces as the user moves the sander back and forth, which may resultin cuts, scrapes, bruises, splinters, or other harm to the working hand.Additionally, the user's working hand may become covered with dust orother debris created during sanding, which may irritate the skin,depending on the nature of the dust material. In view of these problems,some users may wear gloves while painting, sanding, or performing otherhome improvement tasks with hand tools. However, use of conventionalgloves may be undesirable due to a loss of tactile feel, difficultygrasping the tool, or increased sweating of the user's working hand, allof which may affect the quality of the task being performed.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved hand tools, such as handrakes, grabbers, paint rollers, hand sanders, and other hand-operatedtools that adequately protect a user's working hand from potential harmduring use of the tools. Such hand tools should allow a user to performgardening, yardwork, or home improvement tasks without worry of harm tothe user's working hand and without the need for gloves.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments described herein provide hand tools for performinggardening, yardwork, or home improvement tasks while protecting a user'sworking hand from potential harm during use of the tools.

According to one aspect, a hand rake is provided. In one embodiment, thehand rake may include a rake body having a proximal end and an oppositedistal end and including a handle portion and a rake portion, and a handguard attached to the rake body. The handle portion may extend from theproximal end of the rake body and include a finger opening configured toreceive a user's fingers therethrough. The rake portion may extend fromthe distal end of the rake body to the handle portion and include aplurality of tines. The hand guard may be positioned over a top surfaceof the handle portion and may include a plurality of walls defining aninterior space configured to receive the user's hand therein.

In certain embodiments, the hand guard may be fixedly attached to therake body. In certain embodiments, the hand guard may be removablyattached to the rake body. In certain embodiments, the handle portionmay include a plurality of tabs, the hand guard may include a pluralityof mounting holes, and the hand guard may be attached to the rake bodyvia the tabs received within the mounting holes. In certain embodiments,the handle portion may include a cross-member extending along a width ofthe rake body and positioned between the first end of the rake body andthe finger opening, and the hand rake may include a top grip memberpositioned on a top surface of the cross-member and a bottom grip memberpositioned on a bottom surface of the cross-member. In certainembodiments, the rake portion may include a plurality of cross-membersextending between adjacent tines and oriented transverse to alongitudinal extent of the tines. In certain embodiments, the handleportion may have a planar shape, and a majority of the rake portion mayhave a planar shape and be coplanar with the handle portion.

In certain embodiments, the hand guard may include an open proximal endand an opposite, closed distal end, and the plurality of walls of thehand guard may include a front wall, a top wall, a first sidewall, asecond sidewall, a first transition wall, and a second transition wall.The front wall may be positioned along the distal end of the hand guardand have a planar or substantially planar shape. The top wall may extendfrom the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have aplanar or substantially planar shape. The first sidewall may extend fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have a planaror substantially planar shape. The second sidewall may extend from theproximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have a planar orsubstantially planar shape. The first transition wall may extend fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and from the firstsidewall to the top wall and have a planar or substantially planarshape. The second transition wall may extend from the proximal end ofthe hand guard to the front wall and from the second sidewall to the topwall and have a planar or substantially planar shape. In certainembodiments, the rake body may be formed of sheet metal, and the handguard may be formed of plastic. In certain embodiments, the hand rakealso may include a lower guard attached to the rake body or the handguard and positioned over a bottom surface of the handle portion, andthe lower guard may define an interior space configured to receive theuser's hand therein.

According to another aspect, a grabber is provided. In one embodiment,the grabber may include a top rake body, a bottom rake body pivotallyattached to the top rake body, and a hand guard attached to the top rakebody. The top rake body may have a proximal end and an opposite distalend and may include a handle portion and a rake portion. The handleportion may extend from the proximal end of the top rake body andinclude a finger opening configured to receive a user's fingerstherethrough. The rake portion may extend from the distal end of the toprake body to the handle portion and include a plurality of tines. Thebottom rake body may have a proximal end and an opposite distal end andmay include a mounting portion and a rake portion. The mounting portionmay extend from the proximal end of the bottom rake body and be attachedto the top rake body. The rake portion may extend from the distal end ofthe bottom rake body to the mounting portion and include a plurality oftines. The hand guard may be positioned over a top surface of the handleportion and may include a plurality of walls defining an interior spaceconfigured to receive the user's hand therein.

In certain embodiments, the bottom rake body may be configured to pivotrelative to the top rake body between a closed position in which thetines of the bottom rake body are positioned proximate the tines of thetop rake body and an open position in which the tines of the bottom rakebody are spaced apart from the tines of the top rake body. The bottomrake body may be pivotally attached to the top rake body via a springhinge configured to bias the bottom rake body toward the closedposition. In certain embodiments, the grabber also may include anactuator attached to the bottom rake body. The actuator may include afinger opening configured to receive one or more of the user's fingerstherein such that the user may pull the actuator to move the bottom rakebody from the closed position toward the open position.

In certain embodiments, the grabber also may include a top mesh coveringattached to the top rake body, and a bottom mesh covering attached tothe bottom rake body. The top mesh covering may include a top wallextending over a top surface of the top rake body, a first sidewallextending downward from the top wall along a first side of the top rakebody, and a second sidewall extending downward from the top wall along asecond side of the top rake body. The bottom mesh covering may include abottom wall extending under a bottom surface of the bottom rake body, afirst sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall along a first sideof the bottom rake body, and a second sidewall extending upward from thebottom wall along a second side of the bottom rake body. The bottom rakebody and the bottom mesh covering may be positioned between the firstsidewall and the second sidewall of the top mesh covering when thebottom rake body is in the closed position, and the bottom rake body andthe bottom mesh covering may be vertically spaced apart from the topmesh covering when the bottom rake body is in the open position.

In certain embodiments, the hand guard may include an open proximal endand an opposite, closed distal end, and the plurality of walls of thehand guard may include a front wall, a top wall, a first sidewall, asecond sidewall, a first transition wall, and a second transition wall.The front wall may be positioned along the distal end of the hand guardand have a planar or substantially planar shape. The top wall may extendfrom the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have aplanar or substantially planar shape. The first sidewall may extend fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have a planaror substantially planar shape. The second sidewall may extend from theproximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have a planar orsubstantially planar shape. The first transition wall may extend fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and from the firstsidewall to the top wall and have a planar or substantially planarshape. The second transition wall may extend from the proximal end ofthe hand guard to the front wall and from the second sidewall to the topwall and have a planar or substantially planar shape.

According to still another aspect, a paint roller is provided. In oneembodiment, the paint roller may include a roller assembly and a handguard attached to the roller assembly. The roller assembly may have aproximal end and an opposite distal end and include a handle portion anda support portion. The handle portion may extend from the proximal endof the roller assembly and may include a finger opening configured toreceive a user's fingers therethrough. The support portion may extendfrom the distal end of the roller assembly to the handle portion and mayinclude a support arm assembly and a cover support. The support armassembly may be attached to the handle portion. The cover support may bepositioned at the distal end of the roller assembly and rotatablyattached to the support arm assembly. The hand guard may be attached tothe roller assembly and positioned over a top surface of the handleportion, and the hand guard may include a plurality of walls defining aninterior space configured to receive the user's hand therein.

In certain embodiments, the handle portion may include a plurality oftabs, the hand guard may include a plurality of mounting holes, and thehand guard may be attached to the rake body via the tabs received withinthe mounting holes. In certain embodiments, the handle portion mayinclude a cross-member extending along a width of the rake body andpositioned between the first end of the rake body and the fingeropening, and the hand rake may include a top grip member positioned on atop surface of the cross-member and a bottom grip member positioned on abottom surface of the cross-member.

In certain embodiments, the hand guard may include an open proximal endand an opposite, closed distal end, and the plurality of walls of thehand guard may include a front wall, a top wall, a first sidewall, asecond sidewall, a first transition wall, and a second transition wall.The front wall may be positioned along the distal end of the hand guardand have a planar or substantially planar shape. The top wall may extendfrom the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have aplanar or substantially planar shape. The first sidewall may extend fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have a planaror substantially planar shape. The second sidewall may extend from theproximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and have a planar orsubstantially planar shape. The first transition wall may extend fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and from the firstsidewall to the top wall and have a planar or substantially planarshape. The second transition wall may extend from the proximal end ofthe hand guard to the front wall and from the second sidewall to the topwall and have a planar or substantially planar shape.

In certain embodiments, the support arm assembly may include a first armattached to the handle portion, and a second arm attached to the coversupport. The second arm may be pivotally attached to the first arm via ahinge connection such that an angle between a longitudinal axis of thesecond arm and a longitudinal axis of the first arm may be selectivelyadjusted by a user. In certain embodiments, the support arm assemblyalso may include a lock configured to selectively prevent pivotalmovement of the second arm relative to the first arm to maintain theangle between the longitudinal axis of the second arm and thelongitudinal axis of the first arm. The lock may include a an outerhousing attached to the first arm, an inner cylinder attached to thesecond arm and positioned within the outer housing, and a fastenerextending through the outer housing and the inner cylinder. The innercylinder may be configured to rotate within the outer housing, and thefastener may be configured to selectively prevent rotation of the innercylinder relative to the outer housing.

These and other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure willbe apparent or will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artupon review of the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In describing the various embodiments of the present disclosure,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a hand rake in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the hand rake of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the hand rake of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the hand rake of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a top view of the hand rake of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a bottom view of the hand rake of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a hand-operated grabber in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the grabber of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the grabber ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the grabber of FIG. 2A held by a user'sworking hand, showing a bottom rake body of the grabber in a closedposition relative to a top rake body of the grabber.

FIG. 2E is a side view of the grabber of FIG. 2A held by the user'sworking hand, showing the bottom rake body in an open position relativeto the top rake body.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a hand-operated grabber in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the grabber of FIG. 3A held by a user'sworking hand, showing a bottom rake body of the grabber in a closedposition relative to a top rake body of the grabber.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the grabber of FIG. 3A held by the user'sworking hand, showing the bottom rake body in an open position relativeto the top rake body.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a hand-operated paint roller inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the paint roller of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a front view of the paint roller of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a side view of the paint roller of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a top view of the paint roller of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the paint roller of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hand-operated paint roller inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the paint roller of FIG. 5A, showing a supportarm assembly of the paint roller in a straight configuration.

FIG. 5C is a side view of the paint roller of FIG. 5A, showing thesupport arm assembly of the paint roller in an angled configuration.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a hand-operated fruit picker in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved handtools for performing gardening, yardwork, or home improvement taskswhile protecting a user's working hand from potential harm during use ofthe tools. In particular, the hand tools disclosed herein may include ahand guard for protecting a user's working hand during use of the tools.In this manner, the disclosed hand tools may address one or more of theabove-described problems experienced while using conventional hand toolsfor gardening, yardwork, or home improvement tasks.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all,embodiments are shown. Indeed, the disclosed hand tools may be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys thescope of the hand tools to those skilled in the art. Like referencenumbers refer to like elements throughout. The singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” can refer to plural instances unless the context clearlydictates otherwise or unless explicitly stated.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a hand rake 100(which also may be referred to simply as a “hand tool”) according to oneor more embodiments of the disclosure. As described further below, thehand rake 100 may be configured for tilling soil, gathering garden andyard debris, or collecting other items on the ground, while protectingthe user's working hand from potential harm during use of the hand rake100.

The hand rake 100 may be formed as an elongated structure, as shown,having a first end 102 (which also may be referred to as a “proximalend” or a “user end”) and a second end 104 (which also may be referredto as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The hand rake 100 may includea number of components and/or assemblies that are separately formed andattached to one another to form the hand rake 100. In particular, thehand rake 100 may include a rake body 110 (which also may be referred toas a “rake assembly,” a “working body,” or a “working assembly”) and ahand guard 170 (which also may be referred to as a “hand shield,” a“safety guard,” or a “guard box”) which are separately formed andattached to one another. In certain embodiments, the rake body 110 andthe hard guard 170 may be fixedly (i.e., permanently) attached to oneanother. In other embodiments, the rake body 110 and the hand guard 170may be removably attached to one another, for example, to facilitatecleaning of the hand rake 100 or to allow for modular use of the handguard 170 with other working bodies or assemblies configured forperforming other gardening, yardwork, or home improvement tasks. Furtherdetails regarding the attachment of the rake body 110 and the hand guard170 are described below.

The rake body 110 may be formed as an elongated structure, as shown,having a first end 112 (which also may be referred to as a “proximalend” or a “user end”) and a second end 114 (which also may be referredto as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The rake body 110 may includea handle portion 116 (which also may be referred to as a “grippingportion”) and a rake portion 136 (which also may be referred to as a“working portion”) attached to one another. The handle portion 116 mayextend from the first end 112 of the rake body 110 to the rake portion136, and the rake portion 136 may extend from the second end 114 of therake body 110 to the handle portion 116. In certain embodiments, asshown, the handle portion 116 and the rake portion 136 may be integrallyformed with one another. In other words, the handle portion 116 and therake portion 136 may be formed as a single component from the samematerial. In other embodiments, the handle portion 116 and the rakeportion 136 may be separately formed and attached, either fixedly orremovably, to one another. In certain embodiments, the rake body 110 maybe formed of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other metalshaving suitable rigidity and durability for tilling soil, gatheringgarden and yard debris, or collecting other items on the ground.According to such embodiments, the rake body 110 may be formed fromsheet metal that is cut and bent to define the various features of therake body 110. In other embodiments, the rake body 110 may be formed ofa plastic, a composite, or other suitable materials. According to suchembodiments, the rake body 110 may be formed by molding or othersuitable manufacturing processes to define the various features of therake body 110.

As shown, the handle portion 116 may include a top surface 120, a bottomsurface 122, and one or more finger openings 124 defined in the handleportion 116 and extending from the top surface 120 to the bottom surface122. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 116 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that the top surface 120and the bottom surface 122 are planar or substantially planar andarranged parallel to one another. In other embodiments, the handleportion 116 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape, such that thetop surface 120 and the bottom surface 122 are contoured surfaces havinga curved or otherwise non-planar shape. In certain embodiments, asshown, the handle portion 116 may include only a single, elongatedfinger opening 124 configured to receive a user's fingers therethrough.In other embodiments, the handle portion 116 may include two, three, orfour separate finger openings 124 each configured to receive one or moreof the user's fingers therethrough. According to the illustratedembodiment, the finger opening 124 may have a curved profile forergonomic support of the user's fingers therein and may include one ormore protrusions 126 projecting inward to facilitate gripping during useof the hand rake 100.

The finger opening 124 may be spaced apart from the first end 112 of therake body 110, as shown, and the handle portion 116 may include across-member 128 positioned between the finger opening 124 and the firstend 112 and extending along the width of the handle portion 116. Whengrasped by a user, the cross-member 128 may be held within the user'spalm, while the user's fingers extend downward through the fingeropening 124 and the user's thumb extends below the cross-member 128. Incertain embodiments, the hand rake 100 may include one or more gripmembers 130 positioned along the cross-member 128 of the handle portion116. In particular, one grip member 130 may be positioned along thecross-member 128 on the top surface 120 of the handle portion 116, andanother grip member 130 may be positioned along the cross-member 128 onthe bottom surface 122 of the handle portion 116. This arrangement mayprovide an improved ergonomic feel when the user grasps the handleportion 116, particularly when the rake body 110 is formed of sheetmetal. The grip members 130 may be fixedly attached to the handleportion 116 by one or more adhesives, fasteners, or other suitable meansof attachment. In certain embodiments, the grip members 130 may beformed of a compressible material that compresses when the user graspsthe handle portion 116 to facilitate secure and comfortable gripping. Inother embodiments, the grip members 130 may be formed of a rigid orsubstantially rigid material, and a layer of compressible material maybe positioned between each of the grip members 130 and the cross-member128. In this manner, the compressible material layers may allow somemovement of the grip members 130 when grasped by a user, therebyfacilitating secure and comfortable gripping of the handle portion 116.

The handle portion 116 of the rake body 110 may include a plurality oftabs 132 (which also may be referred to simply as “protrusions”)extending laterally outward along opposing sides of the handle portion116, as shown. As described below, the tabs 132 may be configured tofacilitate attachment of the rake body 110 to the hand guard 170. Incertain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 116 may include twotabs 132 positioned along one side of the handle portion 116 and twotabs 132 positioned along the opposite side of the handle portion 116.In other embodiments, any number of tabs 132 may be used.

As shown, the rake portion 136 may include a top surface 140, a bottomsurface 142, and a number of openings defined in the rake portion 136and extending from the top surface 140 to the bottom surface 142. Incertain embodiments, as shown, a majority of the rake portion 136 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that a majority of each ofthe top surface 140 and the bottom surface 142 are planar orsubstantially planar and arranged parallel to one another. According tosuch embodiments, the majority of the rake portion 136 may be coplanarwith the handle portion 116, as shown. In other embodiments, a majorityof the rake portion 136 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape,such that the top surface 140 and the bottom surface 142 are contouredsurfaces having a curved or otherwise non-planar shape.

As shown, the rake portion 136 may include a plurality of tines 144 anda plurality of cross-members 146 attached to one another. Although theillustrated embodiment includes five tines 144, any number of tines 144may be used. The tines 144 may be spaced apart from one another byopenings and configured for tilling soil, gathering garden and yarddebris, or collecting other items on the ground. The cross-members 146each may extend between adjacent tines 144 and be configured to providestructural support to inhibit deformation of the tines 144 during use ofthe hand rake 100. As shown, the cross-members 146 each may extendtransverse, such as perpendicular, to the longitudinal extent of thetines 144, although other orientations of the cross-members 146 may beused. In certain embodiments, as shown, each of the tines 144 mayinclude a finger 148 that extends downward from a remainder of the tine144 at an obtuse angle. The angled orientation of the fingers 148 mayfacilitate tilling of soil and gathering of debris. In certainembodiments, as shown, the tines 144 and the cross-members 146 may beintegrally formed with one another. For example, when the rake body 110is formed from sheet metal, the tines 144 and the cross-members 146 maybe formed by removing material between adjacent tines 144 andcross-members 146 and then bending end portions of the tines 144 to formthe fingers 148. In this manner, the rake portion 136 may provide asubstantially rigid and durable structure for raking. In otherembodiments, the tines 144 and the cross-members 146 may be separatelyformed and fixedly attached to one another to form the rake portion 136.

In certain embodiments, as shown, the rake body 110 may be formed assingle component. In other words, the handle portion 116 and the rakeportion 136, and the features thereof, may be integrally formed with oneanother, for example, from sheet metal as described above. In otherembodiments, the rake body 110 may be formed as an assembly of separatecomponents and/or subassemblies. In other words, one or more of thehandle portion 116, the rake portion 136, and/or the features thereofmay be separately formed from the same or different materials andattached to one another to form the rake body 110.

The hand guard 170 may be formed as an elongated, box-like structure, asshown, having a first end 172 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or an “open end”) and a second end 174 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “closed end”). The hand guard 170 mayinclude a plurality of walls defining an interior space 176therebetween, as shown. In particular, the hand guard 170 may include afront wall 178, a top wall 180, a first sidewall 182, and a secondsidewall 184. As shown, the front wall 178 may be positioned along thesecond end 174 of the hand guard 170, and each of the top wall 180, thefirst sidewall 182, and the second sidewall 184 may extend from the fromthe first end 172 to the second end 174 of the hand guard 170 (i.e.,from the first end 172 to the front wall 178). In certain embodiments,the hand guard 170 also may include a first transition wall 186extending from the first sidewall 182 to the top wall 180 and from thefrom the first end 172 to the second end 174 of the hand guard 170(i.e., from the first end 172 to the front wall 178), and a secondtransition wall 188 extending from the second sidewall 184 to the topwall 180 and from the first end 172 to the second end 174 of the handguard 170 (i.e., from the first end 172 to the front wall 178). In otherembodiments, the transition walls 186, 188 may be omitted, such that thesidewalls 182, 184 extend to the top wall 180. In certain embodiments,as shown, the walls 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 may be integrallyformed with one another from the same material. In other embodiments,one or more of the walls 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 may be separatelyformed and fixedly attached to one another. In certain embodiments, thehand guard 170 may be formed of a plastic having suitable rigidity anddurability for withstanding contact with various surrounding objectsduring use of the hand rake 100. In some such embodiments, the handguard 170 may be formed by molding, extruding, or other suitablemanufacturing processes to define the various features of the hand guard170. In other embodiments, the hand guard 170 may be formed of a metal,a composite, or other suitable materials. In some such embodiments, thehand guard 170 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut and bent todefine the various features of the hand guard 170.

As shown, the walls 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 of the hand guard 170may be planar or substantially planar in shape, and interfaces betweenthe walls 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 may be rounded or curved toinhibit the hand guard 170 from snagging surrounding objects during useof the hand rake 100. The front wall 178 may be angled relative to thetop wall 180 at an obtuse angle, as shown, to provide a user withimproved visibility of the rake portion 136 of the rake body 110 andalso to guide insertion of the hand guard 170 between surroundingobjects during use of the hand rake 100. The transition walls 186, 188also may be angled relative to the top wall 180 at respective obtuseangles and angled relative to the sidewalls 182, 184 at respectiveobtuse angles to provide improved visibility and to guide insertion ofthe hand guard 170 between surrounding objects. The sidewalls 182, 184may be parallel or substantially parallel to one another, as shown. Inother embodiments, one or more or all of the walls 178, 180, 182, 184,186, 188 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape, such that thewalls 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 define contoured surfaces having acurved or otherwise non-planar shape. The hand guard 170 may include oneor more mounting holes 190 defined therein and configured to facilitateattachment of the hand guard 170 to the rake body 110, as describedbelow. In certain embodiments, as shown, the mounting holes 190 may bedefined in the sidewalls 182, 184 of the hand guard 170, although otherpositions of the mounting holes 190 in the hand guard 170 may be used.Although the illustrated embodiment includes two mounting holes 190defined in the first sidewall 182 and two mounting holes 190 defined inthe second sidewall 184, any number of the mounting holes 190 may beused and may be defined in any of the walls 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188of the hand guard 170.

As shown, the rake body 110 and the hand guard 170 may be attached toone another via the tabs 132 and the mounting holes 190. In particular,during assembly of the hand rake 100, the sidewalls 182, 184 of the handguard 170 may be resiliently deflected away from one another, while thehand guard 170 is positioned over the handle portion 116 of the rakebody 110, and then allowed to return to their natural position withrespect to one another such that the tabs 132 are received within themounting holes 190. In this manner, the rake body 110 and the hand guard170 may be three-dimensionally secured with respect to one another(i.e., constrained in respective X, Y, and Z planes). In certainembodiments, the rake body 110 and the hand guard 170 may be fixedlyattached to one another. For example, after positioning the tabs 132within the mounting holes 190, an adhesive may be applied alonginterfaces of the handle portion 116 of the rake body 110 and the handguard 170 to fixedly attach the components to one another, althoughother means of permanent attachment may be used. In other embodiments,the rake body 110 and the hand guard 170 may be removably attached toone another. For example, the tabs 132 and the mounting holes 190 may bedisengaged by resiliently deflecting the sidewalls 182, 184 of the handguard 170 away from one another and removing the hand guard 170 from thehandle portion 116. This removable configuration may facilitate cleaningof the hand rake 100 and also may allow for modular use of the handguard 170 with other working bodies or assemblies. Although theillustrated embodiment provides the rake body 110 and the hand guard 170attached to one another via the tabs 132 and the mounting holes 190, itwill be appreciated that other types of engagement mechanisms may beused to fixedly or removably attach the rake body 110 and the hand guard170.

With the hand guard 170 attached to the rake body 110, the hand guard170 may cover (i.e., be positioned over) and be spaced apart from thetop surface 120 of the handle portion 116, while the rake portion 136extends distally beyond the second end 174 of the hand guard 170, asshown. In certain embodiments, the rake portion 136 may extend distallybeyond the second end 174 of the hand guard 170 by at least 4 inches, atleast 6 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 10 inches, at least 12inches, or more. It will be appreciated that the rake portion 136 maycome in different sizes having different lengths to provide an amplelength for insertion of the tines 144 into dirt, garden or yard debris,or other items being collected, according to various uses. With the handrake 100 assembled as shown, a user may grasp the handle portion 116 asdescribed above, with the user's palm engaging the cross-member 128 andthe top grip member 130, the user's fingers extending through the fingeropening 124 and engaging the cross-member 128 and the bottom grip member130, and the user's thumb extending below and engaging the cross-member128 and the bottom grip member 130 to securely grasp the hand rake 100.In this manner, a majority of the user's hand may be positioned withinthe interior space 176 of the hand guard 170, between the handle portion116 and the hand guard 170, and protected from potential harm during useof the hand rake 100. In certain embodiments, the hand rake 100 also mayinclude a lower guard that is fixedly or removably attached to the rakebody 110 or the hand guard 170. For example, the lower guard may includemounting holes, similar to the mounting holes 190 of the hand guard 170,which receive the exposed portions of the tabs 132 (i.e., the portionsof the tabs 132 extending outwardly beyond the mounting holes 190) in asimilar manner. During use, the lower guard may cover and be spacedapart from the bottom surface 122 of the handle portion 116, such thatportions of the user's fingers and thumb are positioned between thelower guard and the handle portion 116. In certain embodiments, thelower guard may be removably attached to the rake portion 110 or thehand guard 170. In this manner, the lower guard may be selectivelyattached when desired by a user or removed when use of the lower guardis not desired. In other embodiments, the lower guard may be fixedlyattached to the rake portion 110 or the hand guard 170 for permanentuse.

The hand rake 100 described above may provide several benefits overexisting single-handed hand rakes. Most notably, the hand guard 170 mayeffectively protect the user's working hand from potential harm, such ascuts, scrapes, bites, or stings, when using the hand rake 100 to tillsoil, gather debris, or collect items on the ground, and may eliminatethe need for gloves when performing these tasks. Additionally, theconfiguration of the hand rake 100 may allow the user to easily graspthe tool in a comfortable and ergonomic manner while keeping the user'sworking hand protected. Ultimately, the disclosed hand rake 100 providesa simple, durable, low cost, and easy to manufacture and assemble toolfor performing gardening and yardwork tasks while removing the worry ofpotential harm to the user's working hand. It will be appreciated thatthe hand rake 100 advantageously may be operated with a single hand,while the user's free hand may be used to support the user on orrelative to the ground as the user squats, kneels, or is seated on theground. Because use of the hand rake 100 requires only a single hand,the user may use one hand rake 100 with one hand and another hand rake100 with the other hand, thereby doubling the user's efficiency inperforming desired tasks. It also will be appreciated that theconfiguration of the hand rake 100 may allow the user to easily graspthe tool with the user's right hand or left hand interchangeably. Inthis manner, the user may alternate which hand is the working hand, asmay be desired when using the hand rake 100 over an extended period oftime. Further advantages and benefits of the hand rake 100 over existinghand rakes will be appreciated from the foregoing description.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a hand-operated grabber 200 (which also may bereferred to as a “grabber tool,” a “pick-up,” a “pick-up tool,” orsimply a “hand tool”) according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. As described further below, the grabber 200 may beconfigured for picking up a number of items from the ground, instead ofsimply picking up the items by hand, one-by-one. For example, thegrabber 200 may be used to efficiently pick up nuts that have fallenfrom a tree, although the grabber 200 may be used to pick up varioustypes of items in an efficient manner. It will be appreciated that thegrabber 200 may include certain components and features configured in amanner similar to those of the hand rake 100 described above.Corresponding components and features are identified with correspondingreference numbers (i.e., reference numbers beginning with a “2” insteadof a “1”).

The grabber 200 may be formed as an elongated structure, as shown,having a first end 202 (which also may be referred to as a “proximalend” or a “user end”) and a second end 204 (which also may be referredto as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The grabber 200 may include anumber of components and/or assemblies that are separately formed andattached to one another to form the grabber 200. In particular, thegrabber 200 may include a top rake body 210 (which also may be referredto as a “top rake assembly,” a “top working body,” or a “top workingassembly”), a bottom rake body 250 (which also may be referred to as a“bottom rake assembly,” a “bottom working body,” or a “bottom workingassembly”), and a hand guard 270 (which also may be referred to as a“hand shield,” a “safety guard,” or a “guard box”), which are separatelyformed and attached to one another. In certain embodiments, the top rakebody 210, the bottom rake body 250, and the hard guard 270 may befixedly (i.e., permanently) attached to one another. In otherembodiments, one or more of the top rake body 210, the bottom rake body250, and the hard guard 270 may be removably attached to one another,for example, to facilitate cleaning of the grabber 200 or to allow formodular use of the hand guard 270 with other working bodies orassemblies configured for performing other gardening, yardwork, or homeimprovement tasks. Further details regarding the attachment of the toprake body 210, the bottom rake body 250, and the hard guard 270 aredescribed below.

The top rake body 210 may be formed as an elongated structure, as shown,having a first end 212 (which also may be referred to as a “proximalend” or a “user end”) and a second end 214 (which also may be referredto as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The top rake body 210 mayinclude a handle portion 216 (which also may be referred to as a“gripping portion”) and a rake portion 236 (which also may be referredto as a “working portion”) attached to one another. The handle portion216 may extend from the first end 212 of the top rake body 210 to therake portion 236, and the rake portion 236 may extend from the secondend 214 of the top rake body 210 to the handle portion 216. In certainembodiments, as shown, the handle portion 216 and the rake portion 236may be integrally formed with one another. In other words, the handleportion 216 and the rake portion 236 may be formed as a single componentfrom the same material. In other embodiments, the handle portion 216 andthe rake portion 236 may be separately formed and attached, eitherfixedly or removably, to one another. In certain embodiments, the toprake body 210 may be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel,aluminum, or other metals having suitable rigidity and durability forpicking up items from the ground. According to such embodiments, the toprake body 210 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut and bent todefine the various features of the top rake body 210. In otherembodiments, the top rake body 210 may be formed of a plastic, acomposite, or other suitable materials. According to such embodiments,the top rake body 210 may be formed by molding or other suitablemanufacturing processes to define the various features of the top rakebody 210.

As shown, the handle portion 216 may include a top surface 220, a bottomsurface 222, and one or more finger openings 224 defined in the handleportion 216 and extending from the top surface 220 to the bottom surface222. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 216 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that the top surface 220and the bottom surface 222 are planar or substantially planar andarranged parallel to one another. In other embodiments, the handleportion 216 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape, such that thetop surface 220 and the bottom surface 222 are contoured surfaces havinga curved or otherwise non-planar shape. In certain embodiments, asshown, the handle portion 216 may include only a single, elongatedfinger opening 224 configured to receive a user's fingers therethrough.In other embodiments, the handle portion 216 may include two, three, orfour separate finger openings 224 each configured to receive one or moreof the user's fingers therethrough. According to the illustratedembodiment, the finger opening 224 may have a curved profile forergonomic support of the user's fingers therein and may include one ormore protrusions 226 projecting inward to facilitate gripping during useof the grabber 200.

The finger opening 224 may be spaced apart from the first end 212 of thetop rake body 210, as shown, and the handle portion 216 may include across-member 228 positioned between the finger opening 224 and the firstend 212 and extending along the width of the handle portion 216. Whengrasped by a user, the cross-member 228 may be held within the user'spalm, while the user's fingers extend downward through the fingeropening 224 and the user's thumb extends below the cross-member 228. Incertain embodiments, the grabber 200 may include one or more gripmembers 230 positioned along the cross-member 228 of the handle portion216. In particular, one grip member 230 may be positioned along thecross-member 228 on the top surface 220 of the handle portion 216, andanother grip member 230 may be positioned along the cross-member 228 onthe bottom surface 222 of the handle portion 216. This arrangement mayprovide an improved ergonomic feel when the user grasps the handleportion 216, particularly when the top rake body 210 is formed of sheetmetal. The grip members 230 may be fixedly attached to the handleportion 216 by one or more adhesives, fasteners, or other suitable meansof attachment. In certain embodiments, the grip members 230 may beformed of a compressible material that compresses when the user graspsthe handle portion 216 to facilitate secure and comfortable gripping. Inother embodiments, the grip members 230 may be formed of a rigid orsubstantially rigid material, and a layer of compressible material maybe positioned between each of the grip members 230 and the cross-member228. In this manner, the compressible material layers may allow somemovement of the grip members 230 when grasped by a user, therebyfacilitating secure and comfortable gripping of the handle portion 216.

The handle portion 216 of the top rake body 210 may include a pluralityof tabs 232 (which also may be referred to simply as “protrusions”)extending laterally outward along opposing sides of the handle portion216, as shown. As described below, the tabs 232 may be configured tofacilitate attachment of the top rake body 210 to the hand guard 270. Incertain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 216 may include twotabs 232 positioned along one side of the handle portion 216 and twotabs 232 positioned along the opposite side of the handle portion 216.In other embodiments, any number of tabs 232 may be used. The handleportion 216 of the top rake body 210 also may include a plurality ofmounting holes 234 extending therethrough, as shown. The mounting holes234 may be positioned near but spaced apart from the finger opening 224.As described below, the mounting holes 234 may be configured tofacilitate attachment of the top rake body 210 to the bottom rake body250. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 216 mayinclude three mounting holes 234 defined therein. In other embodiments,any number of mounting holes 234 may be used.

As shown, the rake portion 236 may include a top surface 240, a bottomsurface 242, and a number of openings defined in the rake portion 236and extending from the top surface 240 to the bottom surface 242. Incertain embodiments, as shown, a majority of the rake portion 236 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that a majority of each ofthe top surface 240 and the bottom surface 242 are planar orsubstantially planar and arranged parallel to one another. According tosuch embodiments, the majority of the rake portion 236 may be coplanarwith the handle portion 216, as shown. In other embodiments, a majorityof the rake portion 236 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape,such that the top surface 240 and the bottom surface 242 are contouredsurfaces having a curved or otherwise non-planar shape.

As shown, the rake portion 236 may include a plurality of tines 244 anda plurality of cross-members 246 attached to one another. Although theillustrated embodiment includes five tines 244, any number of tines 244may be used. The tines 244 may be spaced apart from one another byopenings and configured for grasping and picking up items from theground. The cross-members 246 each may extend between adjacent tines 244and be configured to provide structural support to inhibit deformationof the tines 244 during use of the grabber 200. As shown, thecross-members 246 each may extend transverse, such as perpendicular, tothe longitudinal extent of the tines 244, although other orientations ofthe cross-members 246 may be used. In certain embodiments, as shown,each of the tines 244 may include a finger 248 that extends downwardfrom a remainder of the tine 244 at an obtuse angle. The angledorientation of the fingers 248 may facilitate grasping and retainingitems picked up from the ground. In certain embodiments, as shown, thetines 244 and the cross-members 246 may be integrally formed with oneanother. For example, when the top rake body 210 is formed from sheetmetal, the tines 244 and the cross-members 246 may be formed by removingmaterial between adjacent tines 244 and cross-members 246 and thenbending end portions of the tines 244 to form the fingers 248. In thismanner, the rake portion 236 may provide a substantially rigid anddurable structure for grasping and retaining items. In otherembodiments, the tines 244 and the cross-members 246 may be separatelyformed and fixedly attached to one another to form the rake portion 236.

In certain embodiments, as shown, the top rake body 210 may be formed assingle component. In other words, the handle portion 216 and the rakeportion 236, and the features thereof, may be integrally formed with oneanother, for example, from sheet metal as described above. In otherembodiments, the top rake body 210 may be formed as an assembly ofseparate components and/or subassemblies. In other words, one or more ofthe handle portion 216, the rake portion 236, and/or the featuresthereof may be separately formed from the same or different materialsand attached to one another to form the top rake body 210.

The bottom rake body 250 may be formed as an elongated structure, asshown, having a first end 252 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or a “user end”) and a second end 254 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The bottom rake body250 may include a mounting portion 255 (which also may be referred to asan “attachment portion”) and a rake portion 256 (which also may bereferred to as a “working portion”) attached to one another. Themounting portion 255 may extend from the first end 252 of the bottomrake body 250 to the rake portion 256, and the rake portion 256 mayextend from the second end 254 of the bottom rake body 250 to themounting portion 255. In certain embodiments, as shown, the mountingportion 255 and the rake portion 256 may be integrally formed with oneanother. In other words, the mounting portion 255 and the rake portion256 may be formed as a single component from the same material. In otherembodiments, the mounting portion 255 and the rake portion 256 may beseparately formed and attached, either fixedly or removably, to oneanother. In certain embodiments, the bottom rake body 250 may be formedof a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals havingsuitable rigidity and durability for picking up items from the ground.According to such embodiments, the bottom rake body 250 may be formedfrom sheet metal that is cut and bent to define the various features ofthe bottom rake body 250. In other embodiments, the bottom rake body 250may be formed of a plastic, a composite, or other suitable materials.According to such embodiments, the bottom rake body 250 may be formed bymolding or other suitable manufacturing processes to define the variousfeatures of the bottom rake body 250.

The mounting portion 255 of the bottom rake body 250 may include aplurality of mounting holes 258 extending therethrough, as shown. Themounting holes 258 may be positioned near but spaced apart from thefirst end 252 of the bottom rake body 250. As described below, themounting holes 258 may be configured to facilitate attachment of thebottom rake body 250 to the top rake body 210. In certain embodiments,as shown, the mounting portion 255 may include three mounting holes 258defined therein. In other embodiments, any number of mounting holes 258may be used.

As shown, the rake portion 256 may include a top surface 260, a bottomsurface 262, and a number of openings defined in the rake portion 256and extending from the top surface 260 to the bottom surface 262. Incertain embodiments, as shown, a majority of the rake portion 256 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that a majority of each ofthe top surface 260 and the bottom surface 262 are planar orsubstantially planar and arranged parallel to one another. In otherembodiments, a majority of the rake portion 256 may be contoured (i.e.,non-planar) in shape, such that the top surface 260 and the bottomsurface 262 are contoured surfaces having a curved or otherwisenon-planar shape.

As shown, the rake portion 256 may include a plurality of tines 264 anda plurality of cross-members 266 attached to one another. Although theillustrated embodiment includes four tines 264, any number of tines 264may be used. The tines 264 may be spaced apart from one another byopenings and configured for grasping and picking up items from theground. The cross-members 266 each may extend between adjacent tines 264and be configured to provide structural support to inhibit deformationof the tines 264 during use of the grabber 200. As shown, thecross-members 266 each may extend transverse, such as perpendicular, tothe longitudinal extent of the tines 264, although other orientations ofthe cross-members 266 may be used. In certain embodiments, as shown,each of the tines 264 may include a finger 268 that extends upward froma remainder of the tine 264 at an obtuse angle. The angled orientationof the fingers 268 may facilitate grasping and retaining items picked upfrom the ground. In certain embodiments, as shown, the tines 264 and thecross-members 266 may be integrally formed with one another. Forexample, when the bottom rake body 250 is formed from sheet metal, thetines 264 and the cross-members 266 may be formed by removing materialbetween adjacent tines 264 and cross-members 266 and then bending endportions of the tines 264 to form the fingers 268. In this manner, therake portion 256 may provide a substantially rigid and durable structurefor grasping and retaining items. In other embodiments, the tines 264and the cross-members 266 may be separately formed and fixedly attachedto one another to form the rake portion 256.

In certain embodiments, as shown, the bottom rake body 250 may be formedas single component. In other words, the mounting portion 255 and therake portion 256, and the features thereof, may be integrally formedwith one another, for example, from sheet metal as described above. Inother embodiments, the bottom rake body 250 may be formed as an assemblyof separate components and/or subassemblies. In other words, one or moreof the mounting portion 255, the rake portion 256, and/or the featuresthereof may be separately formed from the same or different materialsand attached to one another to form the bottom rake body 250.

The hand guard 270 may be formed as an elongated, box-like structure, asshown, having a first end 272 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or an “open end”) and a second end 274 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “closed end”). The hand guard 270 mayinclude a plurality of walls defining an interior space 276therebetween, as shown. In particular, the hand guard 270 may include afront wall 278, a top wall 280, a first sidewall 282, and a secondsidewall 284. As shown, the front wall 278 may be positioned along thesecond end 274 of the hand guard 270, and each of the top wall 280, thefirst sidewall 282, and the second sidewall 284 may extend from the fromthe first end 272 to the second end 274 of the hand guard 270 (i.e.,from the first end 272 to the front wall 278). In certain embodiments,the hand guard 270 also may include a first transition wall 286extending from the first sidewall 282 to the top wall 280 and from thefrom the first end 272 to the second end 274 of the hand guard 270(i.e., from the first end 272 to the front wall 278), and a secondtransition wall 288 extending from the second sidewall 284 to the topwall 280 and from the first end 272 to the second end 274 of the handguard 270 (i.e., from the first end 272 to the front wall 278). In otherembodiments, the transition walls 286, 288 may be omitted, such that thesidewalls 282, 284 extend to the top wall 280. In certain embodiments,as shown, the walls 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288 may be integrallyformed with one another from the same material. In other embodiments,one or more of the walls 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288 may be separatelyformed and fixedly attached to one another. In certain embodiments, thehand guard 270 may be formed of a plastic having suitable rigidity anddurability for withstanding contact with various surrounding objectsduring use of the grabber 200. In some such embodiments, the hand guard270 may be formed by molding, extruding, or other suitable manufacturingprocesses to define the various features of the hand guard 270. In otherembodiments, the hand guard 270 may be formed of a metal, a composite,or other suitable materials. In some such embodiments, the hand guard270 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut and bent to define thevarious features of the hand guard 270.

As shown, the walls 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288 of the hand guard 270may be planar or substantially planar in shape, and interfaces betweenthe walls 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288 may be rounded or curved toinhibit the hand guard 270 from snagging surrounding objects during useof the grabber 200. The front wall 278 may be angled relative to the topwall 280 at an obtuse angle, as shown, to provide a user with improvedvisibility of the rake portions 236, 256 of the rake bodies 210, 250 andalso to guide insertion of the hand guard 270 between surroundingobjects during use of the grabber 200. The transition walls 286, 288also may be angled relative to the top wall 280 at respective obtuseangles and angled relative to the sidewalls 282, 284 at respectiveobtuse angles to provide improved visibility and to guide insertion ofthe hand guard 270 between surrounding objects. The sidewalls 282, 284may be parallel or substantially parallel to one another, as shown. Inother embodiments, one or more or all of the walls 278, 280, 282, 284,286, 288 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape, such that thewalls 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288 define contoured surfaces having acurved or otherwise non-planar shape. The hand guard 270 may include oneor more mounting holes 290 defined therein and configured to facilitateattachment of the hand guard 270 to the top rake body 210, as describedbelow. In certain embodiments, as shown, the mounting holes 290 may bedefined in the sidewalls 282, 284 of the hand guard 270, although otherpositions of the mounting holes 290 in the hand guard 270 may be used.Although the illustrated embodiment includes two mounting holes 290defined in the first sidewall 282 and two mounting holes 290 defined inthe second sidewall 284, any number of the mounting holes 290 may beused and may be defined in any of the walls 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288of the hand guard 270.

As shown, the top rake body 210 and the hand guard 270 may be attachedto one another via the tabs 232 and the mounting holes 290. Inparticular, during assembly of the grabber 200, the sidewalls 282, 284of the hand guard 270 may be resiliently deflected away from oneanother, while the hand guard 270 is positioned over the handle portion216 of the top rake body 210, and then allowed to return to theirnatural position with respect to one another such that the tabs 232 arereceived within the mounting holes 290. In this manner, the top rakebody 210 and the hand guard 270 may be three-dimensionally secured withrespect to one another (i.e., constrained in respective X, Y, and Zplanes). In certain embodiments, the top rake body 210 and the handguard 270 may be fixedly attached to one another. For example, afterpositioning the tabs 232 within the mounting holes 290, an adhesive maybe applied along interfaces of the handle portion 216 of the top rakebody 210 and the hand guard 270 to fixedly attach the components to oneanother, although other means of permanent attachment may be used. Inother embodiments, the top rake body 210 and the hand guard 270 may beremovably attached to one another. For example, the tabs 232 and themounting holes 290 may be disengaged by resiliently deflecting thesidewalls 282, 284 of the hand guard 270 away from one another andremoving the hand guard 270 from the handle portion 216. This removableconfiguration may facilitate cleaning of the grabber 200 and also mayallow for modular use of the hand guard 270 with other working bodies orassemblies. Although the illustrated embodiment provides the top rakebody 210 and the hand guard 270 attached to one another via the tabs 232and the mounting holes 290, it will be appreciated that other types ofengagement mechanisms may be used to fixedly or removably attach the toprake body 210 and the hand guard 270.

As shown, the top rake body 210 and the bottom rake body 250 may beattached to one another via the mounting holes 234, 258, a plurality offasteners 291, and a spring hinge 292. In certain embodiments, as shown,the fasteners 291 may include screws and nuts, although other types ofmechanical fasteners may be used. In other embodiments, the rake bodies210, 250 and the spring hinge 292 may be attached to one another viaother fastening means, such as an adhesive, welding, or soldering. Asshown, a first plurality of the fasteners 291 may extend through themounting holes 234 of the handle portion 216 of the top rake body 210and through corresponding holes in the spring hinge 292 to securelyattach the top rake body 210 to the spring hinge 292. In a similarmanner, a second plurality of the fasteners 291 may extend through themounting holes 258 of the mounting portion 255 of the bottom rake body250 and through corresponding holes in the spring hinge 292 to securelyattach the bottom rake body 250 to the spring hinge 292. With the toprake body 210 and the bottom rake body 250 attached to one another viathe spring hinge 292, the rake bodies 210, 250 may be movable relativeto one another. In particular, the bottom rake body 250 may be pivotableabout a rotational axis of the spring hinge 292 between a closedposition, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2D, and an open position, as shown inFIG. 2E. When the bottom rake body 250 is in the open position, thetines 244, 264 of the rake bodies 210, 250 may be spaced apart from oneanother for allowing items to be received therebetween. When the bottomrake body 250 is in the closed position, the tines 244, 264 of the rakebodies 210, 250 may be positioned proximate one another for retainingthe received items therebetween. In certain embodiments, portions of thetines 264 of the bottom rake body 250 may mesh or interdigitate with(i.e., be positioned between) portions of respective tines 244 of thetop rake body 210, as shown. In certain embodiments, as shown, thespring hinge 292 may be configured to bias the bottom rake body 250toward the closed position relative to the top rake body 210.

As shown, the grabber 200 also may include an actuator 293 to facilitateselective movement of the bottom rake body 250 from the closed positionto the open position relative to the top rake body 210. The actuator 293may be formed as an elongated arm positioned below and attached to thebottom rake body 250. In certain embodiments, as shown, the actuator 293may be attached to the bottom rake body 250 via a connector 294, a topmounting plate 295, a bottom mounting plate 296, and a plurality offasteners 297, although other attachment means may be used. Theconnector 294 may be formed as an elongated bar or member extendingdownward between the bottom rake body 250 and the actuator 293. Incertain embodiments, as shown, the fasteners 297 may include screwsand/or nuts that securely attach the bottom rake body 250, the actuator293, the connector 294, and the mounting plates 295, 296 to one another.In other embodiments, the fasteners 297 may include other types ofmechanical fasteners. In certain embodiments, the connector 294 may beomitted, and the actuator 293 may be attached to the bottom rake body250 via the mounting plates 295, 296 and the fasteners 297. As shown,the actuator 293 may include one or more finger openings 298 definedtherein and configured to allow one or more of the user's fingers toextend therethough. In certain embodiments, as shown, the actuator 293may include only a single finger opening 298, although multiple fingeropenings 298 may be used in other embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 2D and2E, the user may move the actuator 293 by pulling the actuator 293proximally with one or more of the user's fingers positioned within thefinger opening 298, thereby overcoming the biasing force of the springhinge 292 and causing the bottom rake body 250 to move from the closedposition toward the open position relative to the top rake body 210.When the user releases such pulling force, the biasing force of thespring hinge 292 may cause the bottom rake body 250 to return to theclosed position relative to the top rake body 210.

With the hand guard 270 attached to the top rake body 210, the handguard 270 may cover (i.e., be positioned over) and be spaced apart fromthe top surface 220 of the handle portion 216, while the rake portions236, 256 extend distally beyond the second end 274 of the hand guard270, as shown. In certain embodiments, the rake portions 236, 256 mayextend distally beyond the second end 274 of the hand guard 270 by atleast 4 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 10inches, at least 12 inches, or more. It will be appreciated that therake portions 236, 256 may come in different sizes having differentlengths to provide an ample length for insertion of the tines 244, 264between surrounding objects to pick up desired items, according tovarious uses. With the grabber 200 assembled as shown, a user may graspthe handle portion 216 as described above, with the user's palm engagingthe cross-member 228 and the top grip member 230, the user's fingersextending through the finger opening 224 and engaging the cross-member228 and the bottom grip member 230, and the user's thumb extending belowand engaging the cross-member 228 and the bottom grip member 230 tosecurely grasp the grabber 200. In this manner, a majority of the user'shand may be positioned within the interior space 276 of the hand guard270, between the handle portion 216 and the hand guard 270, andprotected from potential harm during use of the grabber 200. Meanwhile,one or more of the user's fingers may extend through the finger opening298 of the actuator 293 to allow the user to easily move the bottom rakebody 250 between the closed position and the open position for pickingup desired items and then releasing the items from the grabber 200.

The grabber 200 described above may provide several benefits overexisting single-handed grabbers. Most notably, the hand guard 270 mayeffectively protect the user's working hand from potential harm, such ascuts, scrapes, bites, or stings, when using the grabber 200 to pick upitems from the ground, and may eliminate the need for gloves whenperforming these tasks. Additionally, the configuration of the grabber200 may allow the user to easily grasp and actuate the tool in acomfortable and ergonomic manner while keeping the user's working handprotected. Ultimately, the disclosed grabber 200 provides a simple,durable, low cost, and easy to manufacture and assemble tool forperforming gardening and yardwork tasks while removing the worry ofpotential harm to the user's working hand. It will be appreciated thatthe grabber 200 advantageously may be operated with a single hand, whilethe user's free hand may be used to support the user on or relative tothe ground as the user squats, kneels, or is seated on the ground.Because use of the grabber 200 requires only a single hand, the user mayuse one grabber 200 with one hand and another grabber 200 with the otherhand, thereby doubling the user's efficiency in performing desiredtasks. It also will be appreciated that the configuration of the grabber200 may allow the user to easily grasp the tool with the user's righthand or left hand interchangeably. In this manner, the user mayalternate which hand is the working hand, as may be desired when usingthe grabber 200 over an extended period of time. Finally, it will beappreciated that, in certain embodiments, the bottom rake body 250 andthe actuator 293 may be removed from the top rake body 210.Consequently, the remaining portions of the grabber 200 may be used as ahand rake in a manner similar to that described above with respect tothe hand rake 100. Further advantages and benefits of the grabber 200over existing grabbers will be appreciated from the foregoingdescription.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a hand-operated grabber 300 (which also may bereferred to as a “grabber tool,” a “pick-up,” a “pick-up tool,” orsimply a “hand tool”) according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. As described further below, the grabber 300 may beconfigured for picking up a number of items from the ground, instead ofsimply picking up the items by hand, one-by-one. For example, thegrabber 300 may be used to efficiently pick up nuts that have fallenfrom a tree, although the grabber 300 may be used to pick up varioustypes of items in an efficient manner. It will be appreciated that thegrabber 300 may include certain components and features configured in amanner similar to those of the grabber 200 described above. Identicalcomponents and features are identified with the same reference numbers(i.e., reference numbers beginning with a “2”) and perform the samefunctions described above with respect to the grabber 200. Differentcomponents and features are identified with reference numbers beginningwith a “3” and their functions are described below.

As shown, the grabber 300 may include a top mesh covering 310 attachedto the top rake body 210, and a bottom mesh covering 350 attached to thebottom rake body 250. In particular, the top mesh covering 310 may besupported by a top frame 312 attached, either fixedly or removably, tothe top rake body 210, and the bottom mesh covering 350 may be supportedby a bottom frame 352 attached, either fixedly or removably, to thebottom rake body 250. The top mesh covering 310 may include a top wall314 extending over the top surface 240 of the rake portion 236 of thetop rake body 210, a first sidewall 316 extending downward along thefirst side of the rake portion 236, and a second sidewall 318 extendingdownward along the second side of the rake portion 236. In a similarmanner, the bottom mesh covering 350 may include a bottom wall 354extending under the bottom surface 262 of the rake portion 256 of thebottom rake body 250, a first sidewall 356 extending upward along thefirst side of the rake portion 256, and a second sidewall 358 extendingupward along the second side of the rake portion 256.

The top mesh covering 310 and the bottom mesh covering 350 each may beformed as a screened structure include a plurality of openings definedtherein. In certain embodiments, as shown, the top mesh covering 310 andthe bottom mesh covering 350 each may include a plurality of wiresarranged in an overlapping pattern and defining the plurality ofopenings therebetween. For example, the wires may be woven in anoverlapping pattern. It will be appreciated that the density of thewires and the size of the openings may be selected depending on the typeof items to be picked up using the grabber 300. In certain embodiments,the mesh coverings 310, 350 may be formed of a rigid or substantiallyrigid material, although flexible materials may be used in otherembodiments. In certain embodiments, the mesh coverings 310, 350 may beformed of a metal, although a plastic, a composite, or other suitablematerials may be used in other embodiments.

When the bottom rake body 250 of the grabber 300 is in the closedposition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the bottom rake body 250 and the bottommesh covering 350 may be positioned between the sidewalls 316, 318 ofthe top mesh covering 310. In this manner, the mesh coverings 310, 350may aid in retaining items between the rake bodies 210, 250,particularly smaller items having a maximum dimension that is less thana maximum dimension of the openings between adjacent tines 244, 264 butgreater than a maximum dimension of the openings in the mesh coverings310, 350. The sidewalls 316, 318, 356, 358 of the mesh coverings 310,350 also may aid in retaining items that otherwise might escapelaterally from between the rake bodies 210, 250. When the bottom rakebody 250 of the grabber 300 is in the open position, as shown in FIG.3C, the bottom rake body 250 and the bottom mesh covering 350 may bevertically spaced apart from the top rake body 210 and the top meshcovering 310 (i.e., the bottom rake body 250 and the bottom meshcovering 350 are not positioned between the sidewalls 316, 318 of thetop mesh covering 310). In this manner, the rake bodies 210, 250 and themesh coverings 310, 350 may easily receive items therebetween when thebottom rake body 250 of the grabber 300 is in the open position.

The grabber 300 described above may provide several benefits overexisting single-handed grabbers. Most notably, the hand guard 270 mayeffectively protect the user's working hand from potential harm, such ascuts, scrapes, bites, or stings, when using the grabber 300 to pick upitems from the ground, and may eliminate the need for gloves whenperforming these tasks. Additionally, the configuration of the grabber300 may allow the user to easily grasp and actuate the tool in acomfortable and ergonomic manner while keeping the user's working handprotected. Ultimately, the disclosed grabber 300 provides a simple,durable, low cost, and easy to manufacture and assemble tool forperforming gardening and yardwork tasks while removing the worry ofpotential harm to the user's working hand. It will be appreciated thatthe grabber 300 advantageously may be operated with a single hand, whilethe user's free hand may be used to support the user on or relative tothe ground as the user squats, kneels, or is seated on the ground.Because use of the grabber 300 requires only a single hand, the user mayuse one grabber 300 with one hand and another grabber 300 with the otherhand, thereby doubling the user's efficiency in performing desiredtasks. It also will be appreciated that the configuration of the grabber300 may allow the user to easily grasp the tool with the user's righthand or left hand interchangeably. In this manner, the user mayalternate which hand is the working hand, as may be desired when usingthe grabber 300 over an extended period of time. Moreover, the meshcoverings 310, 350 may allow the grabber 300 to pick up and retainsmaller items that could not be picked up and/or retained using existingsingle-handed grabbers. Further advantages and benefits of the grabber300 over existing grabbers will be appreciated from the foregoingdescription.

FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate a hand-operated paint roller 400 (which also maybe referred to as simply a “hand tool”) according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. As described further below, the paintroller 400 may be configured for painting various surfaces, such aswalls, instead of using a traditional paint brush. It will beappreciated that the paint roller 400 may include certain components andfeatures configured in a manner similar to those of the hand rake 100described above. Corresponding components and features are identifiedwith corresponding reference numbers (i.e., reference numbers beginningwith a “4” instead of a “1”).

The paint roller 400 may be formed as an elongated structure, as shown,having a first end 402 (which also may be referred to as a “proximalend” or a “user end”) and a second end 404 (which also may be referredto as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The paint roller 400 mayinclude a number of components and/or assemblies that are separatelyformed and attached to one another to form the paint roller 400. Inparticular, the paint roller 400 may include a roller assembly 410(which also may be referred to as a “roller body,” a “working assembly,”or a “working body”), and a hand guard 470 (which also may be referredto as a “hand shield,” a “safety guard,” or a “guard box”) which areseparately formed and attached to one another. In certain embodiments,the roller assembly 410 and the hard guard 470 may be fixedly (i.e.,permanently) attached to one another. In other embodiments, the rollerassembly 410 and the hand guard 470 may be removably attached to oneanother, for example, to facilitate cleaning of the paint roller 400 orto allow for modular use of the hand guard 470 with other working bodiesor assemblies configured for performing other gardening, yardwork, orhome improvement tasks. Further details regarding the attachment of theroller assembly 410 and the hand guard 470 are described below.

The roller assembly 410 may be formed as an elongated structure, asshown, having a first end 412 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or a “user end”) and a second end 414 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The roller assembly410 may include a handle portion 416 (which also may be referred to as a“gripping portion”) and a support portion 436 (which also may bereferred to as a “working portion”) attached to one another. The handleportion 416 may extend from the first end 412 of the roller assembly 410to the support portion 436, and the support portion 436 may extend fromthe second end 414 of the roller assembly 410 to the handle portion 416.In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 416 and the supportportion 436 may be separately formed and attached, either fixedly orremovably, to one another. In other embodiments, parts of the handleportion 416 and the support portion 436 may be integrally formed withone another. In other words, parts of the handle portion 416 and thesupport portion 436 may be formed as a single component from the samematerial. In certain embodiments, the handle portion 416 may be formedof a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals havingsuitable rigidity and durability for withstanding forces exerted by auser during painting. According to such embodiments, the handle portion416 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut to define the variousfeatures of the handle portion 416. In other embodiments, the handleportion 416 may be formed of a plastic, a composite, or other suitablematerials. According to such embodiments, the handle portion 416 may beformed by molding or other suitable manufacturing processes to definethe various features of the handle portion 416.

As shown, the handle portion 416 may include a top surface 420, a bottomsurface 422, and one or more finger openings 424 defined in the handleportion 416 and extending from the top surface 420 to the bottom surface422. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 416 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that the top surface 420and the bottom surface 422 are planar or substantially planar andarranged parallel to one another. In other embodiments, the handleportion 416 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape, such that thetop surface 420 and the bottom surface 422 are contoured surfaces havinga curved or otherwise non-planar shape. In certain embodiments, asshown, the handle portion 416 may include only a single, elongatedfinger opening 424 configured to receive a user's fingers therethrough.In other embodiments, the handle portion 416 may include two, three, orfour separate finger openings 424 each configured to receive one or moreof the user's fingers therethrough. According to the illustratedembodiment, the finger opening 424 may have a curved profile forergonomic support of the user's fingers therein and may include one ormore protrusions 426 projecting inward to facilitate gripping during useof the paint roller 400.

The finger opening 424 may be spaced apart from the first end 412 of thesupport assembly 410, as shown, and the handle portion 416 may include across-member 428 positioned between the finger opening 424 and the firstend 412 and extending along the width of the handle portion 416. Whengrasped by a user, the cross-member 428 may be held within the user'spalm, while the user's fingers extend downward through the fingeropening 424 and the user's thumb extends below the cross-member 428. Incertain embodiments, the paint roller 400 may include one or more gripmembers 430 positioned along the cross-member 428 of the handle portion416. In particular, one grip member 430 may be positioned along thecross-member 428 on the top surface 420 of the handle portion 416, andanother grip member 430 may be positioned along the cross-member 428 onthe bottom surface 422 of the handle portion 416. This arrangement mayprovide an improved ergonomic feel when the user grasps the handleportion 416, particularly when the handle portion 416 is formed of sheetmetal. The grip members 430 may be fixedly attached to the handleportion 416 by one or more adhesives, fasteners, or other suitable meansof attachment. In certain embodiments, the grip members 430 may beformed of a compressible material that compresses when the user graspsthe handle portion 416 to facilitate secure and comfortable gripping. Inother embodiments, the grip members 430 may be formed of a rigid orsubstantially rigid material, and a layer of compressible material maybe positioned between each of the grip members 430 and the cross-member428. In this manner, the compressible material layers may allow somemovement of the grip members 430 when grasped by a user, therebyfacilitating secure and comfortable gripping of the handle portion 416.

The handle portion 416 of the support assembly 410 may include aplurality of tabs 432 (which also may be referred to simply as“protrusions”) extending laterally outward along opposing sides of thehandle portion 416, as shown. As described below, the tabs 432 may beconfigured to facilitate attachment of the support assembly 410 to thehand guard 470. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 416may include two tabs 432 positioned along one side of the handle portion416 and two tabs 432 positioned along the opposite side of the handleportion 416. In other embodiments, any number of tabs 432 may be used.

As shown, the support portion 436 may include a support arm 438 and acover support 440 movably attached to one another. The support arm 438may be formed as an elongated bar or rod having a straight sectionextending from the handle portion 416 and a U-shaped section positionedat a distal end of the support arm 438. As shown, the straight sectionof the support arm 438 may be attached to the handle portion 416. Incertain embodiments, as shown, the support arm 438 may be fixedlyattached to the handle portion 416, for example, by welding, soldering,or other suitable means of attachment. In other embodiments, the supportarm 438 may be removably attached to the handle portion 416 by one ormore releasable attachment means. The cover support 440 may be rotatablyattached to the U-shaped section of the support arm 438 and configuredto removably receive a roller cover 442 positioned thereon. In certainembodiments, the support arm 438 may be formed of a metal, such asstainless steel or aluminum, although other suitably rigid and durablematerials may be used. In certain embodiments, the cover support 440 maybe formed of a metal and/or a plastic, although other suitably rigid anddurable materials may be used. The roller cover 442 may be formed in aconventional manner for receiving paint thereon and applying the paintto a desired surface.

The hand guard 470 may be formed as an elongated, box-like structure, asshown, having a first end 472 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or an “open end”) and a second end 474 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “closed end”). The hand guard 470 mayinclude a plurality of walls defining an interior space 476therebetween, as shown. In particular, the hand guard 470 may include afront wall 478, a top wall 480, a first sidewall 482, and a secondsidewall 484. As shown, the front wall 478 may be positioned along thesecond end 474 of the hand guard 470, and each of the top wall 480, thefirst sidewall 482, and the second sidewall 484 may extend from the fromthe first end 472 to the second end 474 of the hand guard 470 (i.e.,from the first end 472 to the front wall 478). In certain embodiments,the hand guard 470 also may include a first transition wall 486extending from the first sidewall 482 to the top wall 480 and from thefrom the first end 472 to the second end 474 of the hand guard 470(i.e., from the first end 472 to the front wall 478), and a secondtransition wall 488 extending from the second sidewall 484 to the topwall 480 and from the first end 472 to the second end 474 of the handguard 470 (i.e., from the first end 472 to the front wall 478). In otherembodiments, the transition walls 486, 488 may be omitted, such that thesidewalls 482, 484 extend to the top wall 480. In certain embodiments,as shown, the walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488 may be integrallyformed with one another from the same material. In other embodiments,one or more of the walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488 may be separatelyformed and fixedly attached to one another. In certain embodiments, thehand guard 470 may be formed of a plastic having suitable rigidity anddurability for withstanding contact with various surrounding objectsduring use of the paint roller 400. In some such embodiments, the handguard 470 may be formed by molding, extruding, or other suitablemanufacturing processes to define the various features of the hand guard470. In other embodiments, the hand guard 470 may be formed of a metal,a composite, or other suitable materials. In some such embodiments, thehand guard 470 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut and bent todefine the various features of the hand guard 470.

As shown, the walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488 of the hand guard 470may be planar or substantially planar in shape, and interfaces betweenthe walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488 may be rounded or curved toinhibit the hand guard 470 from snagging surrounding objects during useof the paint roller 400. The front wall 478 may be angled relative tothe top wall 480 at an obtuse angle, as shown, to provide a user withimproved visibility of the roller assembly 410 and the roller cover 442.The transition walls 486, 488 also may be angled relative to the topwall 480 at respective obtuse angles and angled relative to thesidewalls 482, 484 at respective obtuse angles to provide improvedvisibility. The sidewalls 482, 484 may be parallel or substantiallyparallel to one another, as shown. In other embodiments, one or more orall of the walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488 may be contoured (i.e.,non-planar) in shape, such that the walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488define contoured surfaces having a curved or otherwise non-planar shape.The hand guard 470 may include one or more mounting holes 490 definedtherein and configured to facilitate attachment of the hand guard 470 tothe roller assembly 410, as described below. In certain embodiments, asshown, the mounting holes 490 may be defined in the sidewalls 482, 484of the hand guard 470, although other positions of the mounting holes490 in the hand guard 470 may be used. Although the illustratedembodiment includes two mounting holes 490 defined in the first sidewall482 and two mounting holes 490 defined in the second sidewall 484, anynumber of the mounting holes 490 may be used and may be defined in anyof the walls 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488 of the hand guard 470.

As shown, the roller assembly 410 and the hand guard 470 may be attachedto one another via the tabs 432 and the mounting holes 490. Inparticular, during assembly of the paint roller 400, the sidewalls 482,484 of the hand guard 470 may be resiliently deflected away from oneanother, while the hand guard 470 is positioned over the handle portion416 of the roller assembly 410, and then allowed to return to theirnatural position with respect to one another such that the tabs 432 arereceived within the mounting holes 490. In this manner, the rollerassembly 410 and the hand guard 470 may be three-dimensionally securedwith respect to one another (i.e., constrained in respective X, Y, and Zplanes). In certain embodiments, the roller assembly 410 and the handguard 470 may be fixedly attached to one another. For example, afterpositioning the tabs 432 within the mounting holes 490, an adhesive maybe applied along interfaces of the handle portion 416 of the rollerassembly 410 and the hand guard 470 to fixedly attach the components toone another, although other means of permanent attachment may be used.In other embodiments, the roller assembly 410 and the hand guard 470 maybe removably attached to one another. For example, the tabs 432 and themounting holes 490 may be disengaged by resiliently deflecting thesidewalls 482, 484 of the hand guard 470 away from one another andremoving the hand guard 470 from the handle portion 416. This removableconfiguration may facilitate cleaning of the paint roller 400 and alsomay allow for modular use of the hand guard 470 with other workingbodies or assemblies. Although the illustrated embodiment provides theroller assembly 410 and the hand guard 470 attached to one another viathe tabs 432 and the mounting holes 490, it will be appreciated thatother types of engagement mechanisms may be used to fixedly or removablyattach the roller assembly 410 and the hand guard 470.

With the hand guard 470 attached to the roller assembly 410, the handguard 470 may cover (i.e., be positioned over) and be spaced apart fromthe top surface 420 of the handle portion 416, while the support portion436 extends distally beyond the second end 474 of the hand guard 470, asshown. In certain embodiments, the support portion 436 may extenddistally beyond the second end 474 of the hand guard 470 by at least 4inches, at least 6 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 10 inches, atleast 12 inches, at least 14 inches, at least 16 inches, at least 18inches, at least 20 inches, or more. It will be appreciated that thesupport portion 436 may come in different sizes having different lengthsto provide an ample length for reaching different surfaces to bepainted. With the paint roller 400 assembled as shown, a user may graspthe handle portion 416 as described above, with the user's palm engagingthe cross-member 428 and the top grip member 430, the user's fingersextending through the finger opening 424 and engaging the cross-member428 and the bottom grip member 430, and the user's thumb extending belowand engaging the cross-member 428 and the bottom grip member 430 tosecurely grasp the paint roller 400. In this manner, a majority of theuser's hand may be positioned within the interior space 476 of the handguard 470, between the handle portion 416 and the hand guard 470, andprotected from potential harm during use of the paint roller 400. Incertain embodiments, the paint roller 400 also may include a lower guardthat is fixedly or removably attached to the roller assembly 410 or thehand guard 470. For example, the lower guard may include mounting holes,similar to the mounting holes 490 of the hand guard 470, which receivethe exposed portions of the tabs 432 (i.e., the portions of the tabs 432extending outward beyond the mounting holes 490) in a similar manner.During use, the lower guard may cover (i.e., be positioned under) and bespaced apart from the bottom surface 422 of the handle portion 416, suchthat the portions of the user's fingers and thumb are positioned betweenthe lower guard and the handle portion 416. In certain embodiments, thelower guard may be removably attached to the roller assembly 410 or thehand guard 470. In this manner, the lower guard may be selectivelyattached when desired by a user or removed when use of the lower guardis not desired. In other embodiments, the lower guard may be fixedlyattached to the roller assembly 410 or the hand guard 470 for permanentuse.

In certain embodiments, as shown, the paint roller 400 may include anumber of wheels 492 attached to the hand guard 470 and configured tofacilitate movement of the paint roller 400 along a working surface. Inparticular, the paint roller 400 may include a pair of wheels 492, withone wheel 492 positioned along one side of the hand guard 470 andanother wheel 492 positioned along the opposite side of the hand guard470. As shown, the wheels 492 may extend downward below the hand guard470. In this manner, the wheels 492 may directly contact and roll alonga working surface as a user moves the paint roller 400 back and forthalong the working surface. The wheels 492 may provide the user withadditional support and allow the user to apply even pressure to asurface being painted with the roller cover 442. As shown, the firstwheel 492 may be rotatably attached to the first sidewall 482 of thehand guard 470, and the second wheel 492 may be rotatably attached tothe second sidewall 484 of the hand guard 470. The wheels 492 may beattached to the hand guard 470 via one or more fasteners 494. In certainembodiments, the fasteners 494 may include screws and/or nuts, althoughother types of mechanical fasteners may be used to rotatably attach thewheels 492 to the hand guard 470.

The paint roller 400 described above may provide several benefits overexisting single-handed paint rollers. Most notably, the hand guard 470may effectively protect the user's working hand from potential harm,such as paint spray, when using the paint roller 400 to paint varioussurfaces, and may eliminate the need for gloves when performing thesetasks. Additionally, the configuration of the paint roller 400 may allowthe user to easily grasp the tool in a comfortable and ergonomic mannerwhile keeping the user's working hand protected. Ultimately, thedisclosed paint roller 400 provides a simple, durable, low cost, andeasy to manufacture and assemble tool for painting while removing theworry of potential harm to the user's working hand. It will beappreciated that the configuration of the paint roller 400 may allow theuser to easily grasp the tool with the user's right hand or left handinterchangeably. In this manner, the user may alternate which hand isthe working hand, as may be desired when using the paint roller 400 overan extended period of time. Moreover, the wheels 492 of the paint roller400 may assist the user in applying even pressure to a surface beingpainted with the roller cover 442, thereby enhancing the quality of thepaint job. Further advantages and benefits of the paint roller 400 overexisting paint rollers will be appreciated from the foregoingdescription.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a hand-operated paint roller 500 (which also maybe referred to as simply a “hand tool”) according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. As described further below, the paintroller 500 may be configured for painting various surfaces, such aswalls, instead of using a traditional paint brush. It will beappreciated that the paint roller 500 may include certain components andfeatures configured in a manner similar to those of the paint roller 500described above. Identical components and features are identified withthe same reference numbers (i.e., reference numbers beginning with a“4”) and perform the same functions described above with respect to thepaint roller 400. Different components and features are identified withreference numbers beginning with a “5” and their functions are describedbelow.

As shown, the paint roller 500 may include a support portion 536 thatallows a user to adjust a position of the cover support 440 and theroller cover 442 relative to the hand guard 470. In particular, thesupport portion 536 may include a support arm assembly 548 that allowsfor such adjustment. As shown, the support arm assembly 548 may includea first arm 550 and a second arm 552 movably attached to one another.The first arm 550 may be formed as an elongated bar or rod having astraight shape and may be attached to the handle portion 416 of thesupport assembly 410. In certain embodiments, the first arm 550 may befixedly attached to the handle portion 416, for example, by welding,soldering, or other suitable means of attachment. In other embodiments,the first arm 550 may be removably attached to the handle portion 416 byone or more releasable attachment means. The second arm 552 may beformed as an elongated bar or rod having a straight section extendingfrom the first arm 550 and a U-shaped section positioned at a distal endof the second arm 552. The cover support 440 may be rotatably attachedto the U-shaped section of the second arm 552 and configured toremovably receive the roller cover 442 positioned thereon. In certainembodiments, the first arm 550 and the second arm 552 may be formed of ametal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, although other suitablyrigid and durable materials may be used.

The first arm 550 and the second arm 552 may be movably attached to oneanother by a hinge connection 554, as shown. In this manner, the secondarm 552 may be pivotable relative to the first arm 550 and the handguard 470, thereby allowing for selective adjustment of the position ofthe cover support 440 and the roller cover 442 relative to the handguard 470. In particular, the support arm assembly 548 may be movedbetween a straight configuration in which the longitudinal axes of thefirst arm 550 and the second arm 552 are coaxial with one another, asshown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and an angled configuration in which thelongitudinal axes of the first arm 550 and the second arm 552 define anangle α therebetween. The angle α may be selectively adjusted by a userto obtain a desired position of the cover support 440 and the rollercover 442 relative to the hand guard 470.

The hinge connection 554 may be secured via a lock 556 (which also maybe referred to as a “locking mechanism”) configured to selectivelymaintain a desired angle α between the longitudinal axes of the firstarm 550 and the second arm 552. In other words, the lock 556 may beengaged to prevent pivotal movement between the first arm 550 and thesecond arm 552. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lock 556 mayinclude an outer housing 558, an an inner cylinder 560 positioned withinthe outer housing 558 and configured to rotate with respect to the outerhousing 558, and a fastener 562. In certain embodiments, the outerhousing 558 may be fixedly attached to the first arm 550, and the innercylinder 560 may be fixedly attached to the second arm 552. In otherembodiments, the outer housing 558 may be fixedly attached to the secondarm 552, and the inner cylinder 560 may be fixedly attached to the firstarm 550. As the inner cylinder 560 rotates with respect to the outerhousing 558, the second arm 552 may pivot relative to the first arm 550.In certain embodiments, as shown, the fastener 562 may include a screwand a nut, such as a wing nut, although other types of releasablemechanical fasteners may be used. In this manner, the user may loosenthe fastener 562 to allow for pivotal adjustment of the first arm 550and the second arm 552 to a desired angle α, and then tighten thefastener 562 to secure the lock 556 and prevent pivotal movement of thefirst arm 550 and the second arm 552. In certain embodiments, the outerhousing 558 may include a slot 564, and the second arm 552 may extendthrough the slot 564, as shown. In this manner, the sidewalls of theslot 564 may prevent or at least inhibit the first arm 552 fromdeflecting laterally at the hinge connection 554. In certainembodiments, the slot 564 may include a number of notches defined alongthe sidewalls of the slot 564 and configured to receive the second arm552 therein. In this manner, the hinge connection 554 may have a numberof predefined angled positions in which the second arm 552 may besecurely retained when the lock 556 is engaged, in order to furthersecure the second arm 552 relative to the first arm 550. In otherembodiments, the notches may be omitted, and the slot 564 may havesmooth sidewalls, which may allow the second arm 552 to be secured inany angled position relative to the first arm 550. Although theillustrated embodiment shows the hinge connection 554 arranged to allowpivotal adjustment of the arms 550, 552 in the vertical direction (i.e.,upward and downward relative to the hand guard 470), the hingeconnection 554 may be arranged to allow pivotal adjustment of the arms550, 552 in the horizontal direction (i.e., laterally, side-to-siderelative to the hand guard 470) in other embodiments.

The paint roller 500 described above may provide several benefits overexisting single-handed paint rollers. Most notably, the hand guard 470may effectively protect the user's working hand from potential harm,such as paint spray, when using the paint roller 500 to paint varioussurfaces, and may eliminate the need for gloves when performing thesetasks. Additionally, the configuration of the paint roller 500 may allowthe user to easily grasp the tool in a comfortable and ergonomic mannerwhile keeping the user's working hand protected. Ultimately, thedisclosed paint roller 500 provides a simple, durable, low cost, andeasy to manufacture and assemble tool for painting while removing theworry of potential harm to the user's working hand. It will beappreciated that the configuration of the paint roller 500 may allow theuser to easily grasp the tool with the user's right hand or left handinterchangeably. In this manner, the user may alternate which hand isthe working hand, as may be desired when using the paint roller 500 overan extended period of time. Moreover, the adjustable nature of thesupport arm assembly 548 may allow the user to selectively adjust theposition of the cover support 440 and the roller cover 442 relative tothe hand guard 470, as desired. In this manner, the user may adjust thepaint roller 500 to more easily paint different surfaces in an ergonomicmanner and to maximize the degree of protection provided by the handguard 470. Further advantages and benefits of the paint roller 500 overexisting paint rollers will be appreciated from the foregoingdescription.

FIG. 6 illustrates a hand-operated fruit picker 600 (which also may bereferred to as simply a “hand tool”) according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. As described further below, the fruitpicker 600 may be configured for picking and collecting various fruitsfrom trees, although other uses of the fruit picker 600 may exist. Itwill be appreciated that the fruit picker 600 may include certaincomponents and features configured in a manner similar to those of thehand rake 100 described above. Corresponding components and features areidentified with corresponding reference numbers (i.e., reference numbersbeginning with a “6” instead of a “1”). It will be understood thatcertain features of the fruit picker 600 which are described below butnot shown in FIG. 6 may be configured in the same manner as thecorresponding features of the hand rake 100 described above and shown inFIGS. 1A-1F.

The fruit picker 600 may be formed as an elongated structure, as shown,having a first end 602 (which also may be referred to as a “proximalend” or a “user end”) and a second end 604 (which also may be referredto as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The fruit picker 600 mayinclude a number of components and/or assemblies that are separatelyformed and attached to one another to form the fruit picker 600. Inparticular, the fruit picker 600 may include a picker assembly 610(which also may be referred to as a “picker body,” a “working assembly,”or a “working body”), and a hand guard 670 (which also may be referredto as a “hand shield,” a “safety guard,” or a “guard box”) which areseparately formed and attached to one another. In certain embodiments,the picker assembly 610 and the hard guard 670 may be fixedly (i.e.,permanently) attached to one another. In other embodiments, the pickerassembly 610 and the hand guard 670 may be removably attached to oneanother, for example, to facilitate cleaning of the fruit picker 600 orto allow for modular use of the hand guard 670 with other working bodiesor assemblies configured for performing other gardening, yardwork, orhome improvement tasks. Further details regarding the attachment of thepicker assembly 610 and the hand guard 670 are described below.

The picker assembly 610 may be formed as an elongated structure, asshown, having a first end 612 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or a “user end”) and a second end 614 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “working end”). The picker assembly610 may include a handle portion 616 (which also may be referred to as a“gripping portion”) and a support portion 636 (which also may bereferred to as a “working portion”) attached to one another. The handleportion 616 may extend from the first end 612 of the picker assembly 610to the support portion 636, and the support portion 636 may extend fromthe second end 614 of the picker assembly 610 to the handle portion 616.In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 616 and the supportportion 636 may be separately formed and attached, either fixedly orremovably, to one another. In other embodiments, parts of the handleportion 616 and the support portion 636 may be integrally formed withone another. In other words, parts of the handle portion 616 and thesupport portion 636 may be formed as a single component from the samematerial. In certain embodiments, the handle portion 616 may be formedof a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals havingsuitable rigidity and durability for withstanding forces exerted by auser during painting. According to such embodiments, the handle portion616 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut to define the variousfeatures of the handle portion 616. In other embodiments, the handleportion 616 may be formed of a plastic, a composite, or other suitablematerials. According to such embodiments, the handle portion 616 may beformed by molding or other suitable manufacturing processes to definethe various features of the handle portion 616.

As shown, the handle portion 616 may include a top surface 620, a bottomsurface 622, and one or more finger openings 624 defined in the handleportion 616 and extending from the top surface 620 to the bottom surface622. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 616 may beplanar or substantially planar in shape, such that the top surface 620and the bottom surface 622 are planar or substantially planar andarranged parallel to one another. In other embodiments, the handleportion 616 may be contoured (i.e., non-planar) in shape, such that thetop surface 620 and the bottom surface 622 are contoured surfaces havinga curved or otherwise non-planar shape. In certain embodiments, asshown, the handle portion 616 may include only a single, elongatedfinger opening 624 configured to receive a user's fingers therethrough.In other embodiments, the handle portion 616 may include two, three, orfour separate finger openings 624 each configured to receive one or moreof the user's fingers therethrough. According to the illustratedembodiment, the finger opening 624 may have a curved profile forergonomic support of the user's fingers therein and may include one ormore protrusions 626 projecting inward to facilitate gripping during useof the fruit picker 600.

The finger opening 624 may be spaced apart from the first end 612 of thesupport assembly 610, as shown, and the handle portion 616 may include across-member 628 positioned between the finger opening 624 and the firstend 612 and extending along the width of the handle portion 616. Whengrasped by a user, the cross-member 628 may be held within the user'spalm, while the user's fingers extend downward through the fingeropening 624 and the user's thumb extends below the cross-member 628. Incertain embodiments, the fruit picker 600 may include one or more gripmembers 630 positioned along the cross-member 628 of the handle portion616. In particular, one grip member 630 may be positioned along thecross-member 628 on the top surface 620 of the handle portion 616, andanother grip member 630 may be positioned along the cross-member 628 onthe bottom surface 622 of the handle portion 616. This arrangement mayprovide an improved ergonomic feel when the user grasps the handleportion 616, particularly when the handle portion 616 is formed of sheetmetal. The grip members 630 may be fixedly attached to the handleportion 616 by one or more adhesives, fasteners, or other suitable meansof attachment. In certain embodiments, the grip members 630 may beformed of a compressible material that compresses when the user graspsthe handle portion 616 to facilitate secure and comfortable gripping. Inother embodiments, the grip members 630 may be formed of a rigid orsubstantially rigid material, and a layer of compressible material maybe positioned between each of the grip members 630 and the cross-member628. In this manner, the compressible material layers may allow somemovement of the grip members 630 when grasped by a user, therebyfacilitating secure and comfortable gripping of the handle portion 616.

The handle portion 616 of the picker assembly 610 may include aplurality of tabs 632 (which also may be referred to simply as“protrusions”) extending laterally outward along opposing sides of thehandle portion 616, as shown. As described below, the tabs 632 may beconfigured to facilitate attachment of the picker assembly 610 to thehand guard 670. In certain embodiments, as shown, the handle portion 616may include two tabs 632 positioned along one side of the handle portion616 and two tabs 632 positioned along the opposite side of the handleportion 616. In other embodiments, any number of tabs 632 may be used.

As shown, the support portion 636 may include a support arm 638 havingan elongated shape extending from the handle portion 616. In certainembodiments, as shown, the support arm 638 may have a straight shapeextending in a linear manner. In other embodiments, the support arm 638may have a contoured (i.e., non-linear) shape that is curved orotherwise contoured to facilitate maneuvering of the fruit picker 600through and around tree limbs and to provide improved visibility of thesupport portion 636 during use of the fruit picker 600. In certainembodiments, as shown, the support arm 638 may be fixedly attached tothe handle portion 616, for example, by welding, soldering, or othersuitable means of attachment. In other embodiments, the support arm 638may be removably attached to the handle portion 616 by one or morereleasable attachment means.

The support arm 638 may have a cutting blade 640 (which also may bereferred to as a “cutting member”) attached thereto at or near thesecond end 614 of the picker assembly 610. The cutting blade 640 may beconfigured for cutting or otherwise separating fruit from a tree. Inparticular, the cutting blade 640 may include one or more hooks 642configured for cutting fruit from a tree. Although the illustratedembodiment of the cutting blade 640 includes two hooks 642, any numberof the hooks 642 may be used. In certain embodiments, the hooks 642 maybe oriented proximally, as shown, such that the hooks 642 may bepositioned above or behind the stem of a piece of fruit and then pulledtoward the user to cut the stem. Other orientations of the hooks 642 maybe used in other embodiments. In certain embodiments, the cutting blade640 may be attached to the support arm 638 by one or more fasteners 644.The fasteners 644 may include screws and/or nuts, although other typesof mechanical fasteners may be used. In certain embodiments, the cuttingblade 640 may be fixedly attached to the support arm 638. In otherembodiments, the cutting blade 640 may be removably attached to thesupport arm 638. In this manner, different types of cutting blades 640may be attached to the support arm 638 to facilitate picking ofdifferent types of fruits. In certain embodiments, the cutting blade 640may be removably attached at multiple different positions along thelength of the support arm 638, as desired. Although the illustratedembodiment includes only a single cutting blade 640, multiple cuttingblades 640 may be attached to the support arm 638 in other embodiments.It will be appreciated that the size and configuration of the cuttingblade 640 may be selected depending on the type of fruit that is beingpicked.

As shown, the support arm 638 also may have a basket 646 (which also maybe referred to as a “collection basket,” a “container,” or a “collectioncontainer”) attached thereto at a location between the first end 612 andthe second end 614 of the picker assembly 610. In particular, the basket646 may be attached to the support arm 638 at a location positionedbetween the hand guard 670 and the cutting blade 640. In this manner,the basket 646 may be configured to receive and contain fruit that iscut from a tree by the cutting blade 640. For example, when the fruitpicker 600 is oriented in a vertical, upright manner (i.e., with thecutting blade 640 positioned substantially above the hand guard 670) andthe cutting blade 640 cuts a stem of a fruit as the user pulls the fruitpicker 600 downward, the cut fruit may fall into the basket 646 and becollected therein. In certain embodiments, as shown, the basket 646 mayinclude a basket frame 648 and a mesh covering 650 attached to thebasket frame 646. Other configurations of the basket 646 may be used.For example, the basket 646 may include solid walls instead of the meshcovering 650. It will be appreciated that the size and configuration ofthe basket 646 may be selected depending on the type of fruit that isbeing picked and collected.

The basket 646 may be attached to the support arm 638 by one or morebrackets 652 and one or more fasteners 654, as shown. The fasteners 654may include screws and/or nuts, although other types of mechanicalfasteners may be used. In certain embodiments, the basket 646 may befixedly attached to the support arm 638. In other embodiments, thebasket 646 may be removably attached to the support arm 638. In thismanner, different types of baskets 646 may be attached to the supportarm 638 to facilitate collection of different types of fruits. Incertain embodiments, the basket 646 may be removably attached atmultiple different positions along the length of the support arm 638, asdesired. Although the illustrated embodiment includes only a singlebasket 646, multiple baskets 646 may be attached to the support arm 638in other embodiments.

The hand guard 670 may be formed as an elongated, box-like structure, asshown, having a first end 672 (which also may be referred to as a“proximal end” or an “open end”) and a second end 674 (which also may bereferred to as a “distal end” or a “closed end”). The hand guard 670 mayinclude a plurality of walls defining an interior space 676therebetween, as shown. In particular, the hand guard 670 may include afront wall 678, a top wall 680, a first sidewall 682, and a secondsidewall 684. As shown, the front wall 678 may be positioned along thesecond end 674 of the hand guard 670, and each of the top wall 680, thefirst sidewall 682, and the second sidewall 684 may extend from the fromthe first end 672 to the second end 674 of the hand guard 670 (i.e.,from the first end 672 to the front wall 678). In certain embodiments,the hand guard 670 also may include a first transition wall 686extending from the first sidewall 682 to the top wall 680 and from thefrom the first end 672 to the second end 674 of the hand guard 670(i.e., from the first end 672 to the front wall 678), and a secondtransition wall 688 extending from the second sidewall 684 to the topwall 680 and from the first end 672 to the second end 674 of the handguard 670 (i.e., from the first end 672 to the front wall 678). In otherembodiments, the transition walls 686, 688 may be omitted, such that thesidewalls 682, 684 extend to the top wall 680. In certain embodiments,as shown, the walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688 may be integrallyformed with one another from the same material. In other embodiments,one or more of the walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688 may be separatelyformed and fixedly attached to one another. In certain embodiments, thehand guard 670 may be formed of a plastic having suitable rigidity anddurability for withstanding contact with various surrounding objectsduring use of the fruit picker 600. In some such embodiments, the handguard 670 may be formed by molding, extruding, or other suitablemanufacturing processes to define the various features of the hand guard670. In other embodiments, the hand guard 670 may be formed of a metal,a composite, or other suitable materials. In some such embodiments, thehand guard 670 may be formed from sheet metal that is cut and bent todefine the various features of the hand guard 670.

As shown, the walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688 of the hand guard 670may be planar or substantially planar in shape, and interfaces betweenthe walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688 may be rounded or curved toinhibit the hand guard 670 from snagging surrounding objects during useof the fruit picker 600. The front wall 678 may be angled relative tothe top wall 680 at an obtuse angle, as shown, to provide a user withimproved visibility of the picker assembly 610 and the fruit beingpicked. The transition walls 686, 688 also may be angled relative to thetop wall 680 at respective obtuse angles and angled relative to thesidewalls 682, 684 at respective obtuse angles to provide improvedvisibility. The sidewalls 682, 684 may be parallel or substantiallyparallel to one another, as shown. In other embodiments, one or more orall of the walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688 may be contoured (i.e.,non-planar) in shape, such that the walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688define contoured surfaces having a curved or otherwise non-planar shape.The hand guard 670 may include one or more mounting holes 690 definedtherein and configured to facilitate attachment of the hand guard 670 tothe picker assembly 610, as described below. In certain embodiments, asshown, the mounting holes 690 may be defined in the sidewalls 682, 684of the hand guard 670, although other positions of the mounting holes690 in the hand guard 670 may be used. Although the illustratedembodiment includes two mounting holes 690 defined in the first sidewall682 and two mounting holes 690 defined in the second sidewall 684, anynumber of the mounting holes 690 may be used and may be defined in anyof the walls 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, 688 of the hand guard 670.

As shown, the picker assembly 610 and the hand guard 670 may be attachedto one another via the tabs 632 and the mounting holes 690. Inparticular, during assembly of the fruit picker 600, the sidewalls 682,684 of the hand guard 670 may be resiliently deflected away from oneanother, while the hand guard 670 is positioned over the handle portion616 of the picker assembly 610, and then allowed to return to theirnatural position with respect to one another such that the tabs 632 arereceived within the mounting holes 690. In this manner, the pickerassembly 610 and the hand guard 670 may be three-dimensionally securedwith respect to one another (i.e., constrained in respective X, Y, and Zplanes). In certain embodiments, the roller assembly 610 and the handguard 670 may be fixedly attached to one another. For example, afterpositioning the tabs 632 within the mounting holes 690, an adhesive maybe applied along interfaces of the handle portion 616 of the pickerassembly 610 and the hand guard 670 to fixedly attach the components toone another, although other means of permanent attachment may be used.In other embodiments, the picker assembly 610 and the hand guard 670 maybe removably attached to one another. For example, the tabs 632 and themounting holes 690 may be disengaged by resiliently deflecting thesidewalls 682, 684 of the hand guard 670 away from one another andremoving the hand guard 670 from the handle portion 616. This removableconfiguration may facilitate cleaning of the fruit picker 600 and alsomay allow for modular use of the hand guard 670 with other workingbodies or assemblies. Although the illustrated embodiment provides thepicker assembly 610 and the hand guard 670 attached to one another viathe tabs 632 and the mounting holes 690, it will be appreciated thatother types of engagement mechanisms may be used to fixedly or removablyattach the picker assembly 610 and the hand guard 670.

With the hand guard 670 attached to the picker assembly 610, the handguard 670 may cover (i.e., be positioned over) and be spaced apart fromthe top surface 620 of the handle portion 616, while the support portion636 extends distally beyond the second end 674 of the hand guard 670, asshown. In certain embodiments, the support portion 636 may extenddistally beyond the second end 674 of the hand guard 670 by at least 1foot, at least 2 feet, at least 4 feet, at least 6 feet, at least 8feet, at least 10 feet, or more. It will be appreciated that the supportportion 636 may come in different sizes having different lengths toprovide an ample length for reaching fruit in different types of trees.With the fruit picker 600 assembled as shown, a user may grasp thehandle portion 616 as described above, with the user's palm engaging thecross-member 628 and the top grip member 630, the user's fingersextending through the finger opening 624 and engaging the cross-member628 and the bottom grip member 630, and the user's thumb extending belowand engaging the cross-member 628 and the bottom grip member 630 tosecurely grasp the fruit picker 600. In this manner, a majority of theuser's hand may be positioned within the interior space 676 of the handguard 670, between the handle portion 616 and the hand guard 670, andprotected from potential harm during use of the fruit picker 600. Incertain embodiments, the fruit picker 600 also may include a lower guardthat is fixedly or removably attached to the picker assembly 610 or thehand guard 670. For example, the lower guard may include mounting holes,similar to the mounting holes 690 of the hand guard 670, which receivethe exposed portions of the tabs 632 (i.e., the portions of the tabs 632extending outward beyond the mounting holes 690) in a similar manner.During use, the lower guard may cover (i.e., be positioned under) and bespaced apart from the bottom surface 622 of the handle portion 616, suchthat the portions of the user's fingers and thumb are positioned betweenthe lower guard and the handle portion 616. In certain embodiments, thelower guard may be removably attached to the picker assembly 610 or thehand guard 670. In this manner, the lower guard may be selectivelyattached when desired by a user or removed when use of the lower guardis not desired. In other embodiments, the lower guard may be fixedlyattached to the picker assembly 610 or the hand guard 670 for permanentuse.

The fruit picker 600 described above may provide several benefits overexisting tools for picking fruit from trees. Most notably, the handguard 670 may effectively protect the user's working hand from potentialharm, such as scraped or cut by surrounding tree limbs or other objects,when using the fruit picker 600 to pick fruit from various types oftrees, and may eliminate the need for gloves when performing thesetasks. Additionally, the configuration of the fruit picker 600 may allowthe user to easily grasp the tool in a comfortable and ergonomic mannerwhile keeping the user's working hand protected. Ultimately, thedisclosed fruit picker 600 provides a simple, durable, low cost, andeasy to manufacture and assemble tool for picking fruit from trees whileremoving the worry of potential harm to the user's working hand. It willbe appreciated that the configuration of the fruit picker 600 may allowthe user to easily grasp the tool with the user's right hand or lefthand interchangeably. In this manner, the user may alternate which handis the working hand, as may be desired when using the fruit picker 600over an extended period of time. Further advantages and benefits of thefruit picker 600 over existing tools will be appreciated from theforegoing description.

Many modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure willcome to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertainsupon having the benefit of the teachings presented herein through theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the present invention is not to be limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A paint roller comprising: a roller assemblyhaving a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the roller assemblycomprising: a handle portion extending from the proximal end of theroller assembly, the handle portion comprising a finger openingconfigured to receive a user's fingers therethrough; and a supportportion extending from the distal end of the roller assembly to thehandle portion, the support portion comprising a support arm assemblyattached to the handle portion and a cover support positioned at thedistal end of the roller assembly and rotatably attached to the supportarm assembly; and a hand guard attached to the roller assembly andpositioned over a top surface of the handle portion, the hand guardcomprising a plurality of walls defining an interior space configured toreceive the user's hand therein.
 2. The paint roller of claim 1, whereinthe handle portion further comprises a plurality of tabs, wherein thehand guard comprises a plurality of mounting holes, and wherein the handguard is attached to the rake body via the tabs received within themounting holes.
 3. The paint roller of claim 1, wherein the handleportion further comprises a cross-member extending along a width of thehandle portion and positioned between a proximal end of the handleportion and the finger opening.
 4. The paint roller of claim 3, furthercomprising a top grip member positioned on a top surface of thecross-member and a bottom grip member positioned on a bottom surface ofthe cross-member.
 5. The paint roller of claim 1, wherein the hand guardcomprises an open proximal end and an opposite, closed distal end. 6.The paint roller of claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls of the handguard comprises: a front wall positioned along the distal end of thehand guard and having a planar or substantially planar shape; a top wallextending from the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall andhaving a planar or substantially planar shape; a first sidewallextending from the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall andhaving a planar or substantially planar shape; a second sidewallextending from the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall andhaving a planar or substantially planar shape; a first transition wallextending from the proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall andfrom the first sidewall to the top wall and having a planar orsubstantially planar shape; and a second transition wall extending fromthe proximal end of the hand guard to the front wall and from the secondsidewall to the top wall and having a planar or substantially planarshape.
 7. The paint roller of claim 1, wherein the support arm assemblycomprises: a first arm attached to the handle portion; a second armattached to the cover support and pivotally attached to the first armvia a hinge connection such that an angle between a longitudinal axis ofthe second arm and a longitudinal axis of the first arm may beselectively adjusted by a user.
 8. The paint roller of claim 7, whereinthe support arm assembly further comprises a lock configured toselectively prevent pivotal movement of the second arm relative to thefirst arm to maintain the angle between the longitudinal axis of thesecond arm and the longitudinal axis of the first arm.
 9. The paintroller of claim 8, wherein the lock comprises: an outer housing attachedto the first arm; an inner cylinder attached to the second arm andpositioned within the outer housing; and a fastener extending throughthe outer housing and the inner cylinder.
 10. The paint roller of claim9, wherein the inner cylinder is configured to rotate within the outerhousing, and wherein the fastener is configured to selectively preventrotation of the inner cylinder relative to the outer housing.
 11. Thepaint roller of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheelsattached to the hand guard and configured to rotate relative to the handguard.
 12. The paint roller of claim 11, wherein the plurality of wheelsare positioned outside of the interior space.
 13. The paint roller ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of wheels extend below a bottom surfaceof the hand guard.
 14. The paint roller of claim 13, wherein the handguard extends above the plurality of wheels.
 15. The paint roller ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of wheels extend below a bottom surfaceof the handle portion.
 16. The paint roller of claim 11, wherein theplurality of wheels comprises a first wheel positioned along a firstside of the hand guard and a second wheel positioned along a second sideof the hand guard.
 17. The paint roller of claim 1, wherein the handguard extends below a bottom surface of the handle portion.
 18. Thepaint roller of claim 1, wherein the support arm assembly comprises: astraight section extending from the handle portion; and a U-shapedsection positioned at a distal end of the support arm assembly androtatably supporting the cover support.
 19. The paint roller of claim 1,wherein the hand guard is fixedly attached to the handle portion, andwherein the support arm assembly is fixedly attached to the handleportion.
 20. The paint roller of claim 1, further comprising a rollercover removably attached to the cover support.